Alumina supported copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO/Al2O3) as high-performance electrocatalysts for hydrazine oxidation reaction

Direct hydrazine liquid fuel cell (DHFC) is perceived as effectual energy generating mean owing to high con-version efficiency and energy density. However, the development of well-designed, cost effective and high performance electrocatalysts is the paramount to establish DHFCs as efficient energy generating technology. Herein, gamma alumina supported copper oxide nanocatalysts (CuO/Al2O3) are synthesized via impregnation method and investigated for their electrocatalytic potential towards hydrazine oxidation reaction. CuO with different weight percentages i.e., 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20% are impregnated on gamma alumina support. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the cubic crystal structure and nanosized particles of the prepared metal oxides. Transmission electron microscopy also referred to the cubic morphology and nanoparticle formation. Electro-chemical oxidation potential of the CuO/Al2O3 nanoparticles is explored via cyclic voltammetry as the analytical tool. Optimization of conditions and electrocatalytic studies shown that 16% CuO/Al2O3 presented the best electronic properties towards N2H2 oxidation reaction. BET analysis ascertained the high surface area (131.2546 m2 g1) and large pore diameter (0.279605 cm3 g-1) for 16% CuO/Al2O3. Nanoparticle formation, high porosity and enlarged surface area of the proposed catalysts resulted in significant oxidation current output (600 mu A), high current density (8.2 mA cm-2) and low charge transfer resistance (3.7 k Omega). Electrooxidation of hydrazine on such an affordable and novel electrocatalyst opens a gateway to further explore the metal oxide impregnated alumina materials for different electrochemical applications.

Dergi

CHEMOSPHERE

Yıl

2023

Cilt

315

ISSN

0045-6535

eISSN

1879-1298

DOI

10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137659

WoS UID

WOS:000923569900001